We want you: put your leadership skills to the test within CalCPA.

• Position: Interview

With the application period open for 2011 12 CalCPA officers and council members at large, and Education Foundation trustees and officers, we asked CalCPA Leadership Identification & Development Committee Chair Perry Forschino, of Veyna & Forschino in San Jose, to shed some light on what CalCPA leadership means.

What is your perspective on CalCPA leadership needs?

It's advantageous for CalCPA leadership to be representative of its membership, from young and emerging professionals (YEP) to seasoned professionals, as well as diversity regarding firm size and practice areas. National firms and industry are under represented, and there's an opportunity for them to bring their perspectives to CalCPA leadership.

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What challenges do you see in getting the right members in the right leadership positions?

The CalCPA Nominations Committee does a tremendous job of interviewing candidates to ensure the right members end up in the right leadership positions. The key is to ensure that there are enough qualified candidates seeking leadership positions.

Do members understand CalCPA's structure?

CalCPA's structure is a mystery to most members I've talked to, but it's not being kept secret. Bylaws and other governance information are available at www.calcpa.org/Bylaws_Governance, and CalCPA's governing body is a matter of public record from Part VI of CalCPA's Form 990.

CalCPA's governing body--the council--has about 90 voting members responsible for strategic planning and policy making. Each chapter is represented by two members, plus one member for every 1,000 members. State committee chairs and elected at-large members, officers and vice chairs arc council members. There's also a board of directors, which is the council's executive committee, that consists primarily of the officers, four council representatives and two at-large...